200YEARS-010724 - Flipbook - Page 18
200 YEARS
JOURNEY
THROUGH
THAI
MODERN ART
HISTORY
In 1863, France invaded Cambodia, subsequently establishing it as a
protectorate. This incursion disrupted the tribute state system between
Cambodia and Siam, ultimately resulting in Siam9s loss of Cambodia, with
the exception of three provinces, amidst a tense political atmosphere. In
recognition of the diplomatic complexities, Emperor Napoleon III conferred the
LŽgion d9Honneur upon His Majesty King Mongkut. In the same year, French
painter Jean Marius Fouque (1819-1880) produced royal portraits of King
Mongkut. Fouque9s work, based on a photo portrait by Larnaurdie, was rendered
in oil on canvas, achieving a vivid and realistic depiction of the monarch.
In 1865, AmŽdŽe GrŽhan, the Siamese consul in Paris, commissioned Fouque
to produce a copy of GŽr™meÕs painting depicting the Siamese embassy9s
audience with Napoleon III at the Fontainebleau Palace. Additionally, Fouque
was assigned by the Siamese consul to deliver his painting as a gift to King
Mongkut in Bangkok. Subsequently, Fouque was appointed as a court painter
for Siam. He painted an official oil portrait of King Rama V in full regalia,
crowned and seated on a throne during his coronation ceremony.6
In 1863, French sculptor Emile Fran•ois Chatrousse (1829-1896) was
commissioned to create a statue of King Mongkut. The plaster statue depict
the King standing and wearing a plaid hat, a ceremonial jacket adorned with
royal decorations, the royal coat of arms, the LŽgion d9Honneur sash and a
traditional loincloth. According to evidence from Sarn Somdej,
